The St. Lawrence AAUW, including North Country Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, (D-Theresa), say they are applauding the recent passage of legislation by the Assembly aimed at strengthening campus sexual assault prevention and reporting measures.

Assemblywoman Russell says she voted in favor of the legislation. The Assembly has not yet updated their website to show votes from St. Lawrence County’s other three Assembly officials.

Russell’s 116th Assembly District includes all St. Lawrence County communities along the St. Lawrence River, plus Canton and Potsdam.

The bill would require all colleges and universities in New York to adopt uniform prevention and response policies and procedures to address sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

“Sexual assault is a deplorable and devastating crime that cannot be tolerated and the prevalence of sexual assault in colleges is deeply troubling," Russell said. "College is an experience in one’s life that represents learning, exploration, and wonder; it is imperative that being sexually assaulted not be on the minds of students. I believe these measures are steps in the right direction that will better protect students and offer the opportunity to fully enjoy the unique experiences of college.”

Following the vote, the St. Lawrence County branch of the AAUW released a statement saying they applaud the Assembly for passing the legislation.

“AAUW is committed to protecting and defending Title IX, and pursuing its vigorous enforcement, to ensure our nation’s commitment to moving toward full and equal educational opportunities for all students. This action by NYS helps to ensure that every college student in New York can live and learn in a safe space,” said Donna Seymour, AAUW-NYS Public Policy vice president, Potsdam.

Student advocates from several New York private universities - including AAUW partnering institutions Barnard and Syracuse University - traveled to Albany in March to meet with legislators, highlighting the campaign’s urgency and helping shape to the proposal. They played a significant role helping pass “Enough is Enough,” according to the AAUW’s statement.

Major provisions of the bill include:

• A statewide definition of affirmative consent, defining consent as a knowing, voluntary, and mutual decision among all participants to engage in sexual activity;

• A statewide amnesty policy, to ensure that students reporting incidents of sexual assault or other sexual violence are granted immunity for certain campus policy violations, such as drug and alcohol use;

• A Students’ Bill of Rights, which campuses will be required to distribute to all students in order to specifically inform sexual violence victims of their legal rights and how they may access appropriate resources. The Bill of Rights clearly states that students are given the right to know they can report sexual assaults to outside law enforcement, including the State Police;

• Comprehensive training requirements for administrators, staff, and students, including at new student orientations;

• Reporting requirements for campuses to annually submit aggregate data on reported incidents of sexual violence and their adjudication and handling to the State Education Department;

• A new unit within the State Police called the “sexual assault victims unit” specialized in advanced training in responding to sexual assaults and related crimes that shall also provide assistance to campus police or local law enforcement, as well as training to college campus communities; and

• A requirement for first responders to notify survivors of their right to contact outside law enforcement